Women’s History Month Viewpoints: Roxann Santangelo
Roxann Santangelo, Project Manager
I admire any woman that can work and be successful in a field that has been dominated by men up until the last 20 years. It was difficult to narrow down a specific woman architect, artist or designer having had an education where not too many women were recognized in a historic context. Although, many of my architecture mentors and professors that left an impression were women, and they supported and encouraged me to continue in the field of architecture. Perhaps it was because they were female and having that example in my education and the work environment has always influenced me to succeed.
What woman do you admire most in the field of architecture, design, or art, and why?
I have chosen a female architect that is currently influential. Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro in NYC. Her building projects are not only sculptural, daring and pleasingly transparent in design, but the design in conjunction with or alone of cultural public spaces enhance and beautify the surrounding urban environment. This unification of architecture and the urban fabric using public spaces enjoyed, appreciated, and functioning culturally is an architect’s service to society. One of my favorites, the High Line in NYC.
What is your favorite building or public art installation/sculpture, and why?
My favorite building is Casa Mila – La Pedrera in Barcelona by Spanish Architect Antoni Gaudi. It’s simply a fluidity of sculptural architecture innovative for its time. And continues to be and create a whimsical and childlike feeling that is admired by many, including myself when I visited Spain. In my opinion like Dillard’s designs, influential culturally and to society.
What trend in architecture/design/art do you most like/least like, and why?
Sustainability is certainly a trend we should all be putting into practice and improving in all our work. With climate change and building for the future with natural and green architecture, this is the way to move forward designing and building successfully for a better tomorrow.
